by Hazzaa April 9th 2009, 8:28 pm
History
Aston Villa Football Club was formed in 1874, by Jack Hughes, Frederick Matthews, Walter Price and William Scattergood. Villa's first match was an odd one, played against a rugby team. it was agreed that the first half was to be played under rugby rules, and the second under football!
Villa quickly established themselves as giants of the midlands, and won its first F.A cup in 1887. the next year, Aston Villa became founders of the football league, and quickly won numerous league titles and F.A cups. In 1897, Villa did 'The Double', and also moved into their new ground, dubbed 'Villa Park' by the fans.
After winning a 6th F.A cup in 1920, and establishing themselves as one of the world's finest clubs, The Villa started a decline, that would eventually see them relegated in 1936. After WW2, Villa regrouped and defeated the 'Busby Babes' in the final on the 1957 season for their first trophy in 37 years. In 1961, Villa won the inaugural leage cup.
In the late '60s the club was in turmoil, relegated to the second Division. The whole board resigned under scrutiny from the fans, and in 1970, Villa were relegated to Division 3. 2 seasons later though, Villa were back up and by 1977, they were back in the top tier and in Europe. Winning the league in 1981, the enxt season they went one step further becoming on of only 4 English teams to win the European Cup (along with Liverpool, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest).
Villa were one of the founder members of the Premier League, but despite coming runners up in that first season, inconsistency has hampered their Premier League positions.
Last edited by Hazzaa on April 9th 2009, 9:17 pm; edited 2 times in total
Ashley Young 
